FDA’s Preemption Doctrine Under Fire in Vioxx Case
In denying Merck’s motion for summary judgment claiming that two Vioxx
product liability cases should be dismissed on federal preemption
grounds, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana
Judge Eldon Fallon dealt a potential blow to pharmaceutical
manufacturers that cite the FDA’s preemption doctrine in defense
against state failure-to-warn liability lawsuits.

HHS Projects Target Fraudulent DMEPOS Claims
Some manufacturers of durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and
supplies (DMEPOS) will have to reapply for participation in Medicare
under new HHS projects to combat fraudulent DMEPOS claims.

Abbott Agrees to Cut HIV Drug Price in Brazil
The heat-stable version of the HIV drug Kaletra will now cost roughly 30
percent less in Brazil under an agreement signed by Abbott Laboratories
and the country’s minister of health last week.